Countless contraptions that revolutionized farming in the 19th and early 20th centuries have become contemporary curiosities or even mysteries. Here are six sent in by readers. Do you know what they are?
Answers to the August/September 2024 items will appear in the December/January 2025 issue.
Answers for new items in this issue must be received by August 7, 2024.
A. Item is made of cast iron and hinge part only has 8-10 degrees of movement. The square end has a serrated area along its width.
A barbwire stretcher. Identified by Arvan Van Zee, Pella, IA.; Robert Scholz, Elmo, MO.; Dean Philips, Liberty, MO.; John Ziesenheim, Lake City, PA.; Jim Thoele, Basehor, KS.; Ray Stumpe
Lakeland, FL.; Stan Seevers; John Wilding, Hermann, MO.; Vic Reyna, Nicasio, CA. Photo submitted by Eugene and Rose Smith.
B. No information provided.
A drum type ice cream freezer. Identified by Bruce Granger; Dennis D. Schenk, Burlington, IA.; Paul Ryberg, Cambridge, MN. Photo submitted by Ray Stumpe, Lakeland, FL.
C. Item is 2 inches long and about 3/4-inch in diameter. It has the word “universal” on one end.
A spark intensifier for gas engines. Identified by D. Gaier, Piqua, OH.; Mike Stockard, Avon, OH.; Scott Bernstein, Cameron, WI.; John Newman Jr., Lonedell, MO.; Earl Nelson, Crocker, MO.; Randy Waldrip, Metamora, IL.; Stan Seevers; Frank Koski, Brule, WI.; John Wilding, Hermann, MO.; Todd Foote, Caledonia, MI.; Michael Stiles, Halfmoon, NY. Photo submitted by Matt Cage.
D. No information provided.
A vintage shotgun-reloading tool, also called a capper and decapper. Identified by Rick Deemer, Poland, OH.; Robert Scholz, Elmo, MO.; Howard Rand; Marvin Murray, Cheraw, SC.; David S. Krumm, Hillsboro, MO.; Randy Winland, Prospect, OH.; Stan Seevers; John Wilding, Hermann, MO.; Bruce Granger; Gust Russakis, New Port Richey, FL.; Michael Stiles, Halfmoon, NY.; Dennis D. Schenk, Burlington, IA.; Duane Bjerketvedt, Henning, MN.; Marlin O. Herbst, Merrill, IA.; Vic Reyna, Nicasio, CA.; Dale Piel, Red Bud, IL.; Roger Wurts, Highmore, SD.; Nick Caldiero, Afton, NY.; Paul Ryberg, Cambridge, MN. Photo submitted by Jarrett Wilson.
E. Item is approximately 5-1/2 × 3-1/2 inches and weighs 5 pounds.
A SAD iron with a broken off handle. Identified by Joel Monteith, Preston, MO.; Ken Rau; Richard Vlach, Auburn, NE.; Ken Bolton; Robert Scholz, Elmo, MO.; Bob Lundberg, Panama City, FL.; Marvin Murray, Cheraw, SC.; bruce Granger; David S. Krumm, Hillsboro, MO.; Michael Stiles, Halfmoon, NY.; Dennis D. Schenk, Burlington, IA.; Duane Bjerketvedt, Henning, MN.; Marlin O. Herbst, Merrill, IA.; Nick Caldiero, Afton, NY.; Harry Turnbull, Antwerp, NY.; Linton Weaver, Wellman, IA.; Paul Ryberg, Cambridge, MN. Photo submitted by Rodney Hamann.
F. No information provided.
Vintage barn door hinges. Identified by Ken Rau; George Stickles; David S. Krumm, Hillsboro, MO.; John Wilding, Hermann, MO.; Michael Stiles, Halfmoon, NY.; Harry Turnbull, Antwerp, NY. Photo Submitted by Roger Jensen, Penn Yan, NY.
To submit photos:
Send prints to Farm Collector, 1503 SW 42nd St., Topeka, KS 66609. Send digital images to editor@farmcollector.com.
Photos should be taken in a well-lit area against a plain background. Include dimensions and any markings on the piece. We cannot guarantee every photo will be published, nor can we respond to inquiries regarding when photos will be published. No photos will be returned.
Digital photos should be sent as .jpgs at a minimum of 300 dpi.
To identify an item:
Send answers (with your name and address) to Farm Collector, 1503 SW 42nd St., Topeka, KS 66609. Email responses may be sent to editor@farmcollector.com.
Answers for new items shown in this issue must be received by August 7, 2024.
